Everything You Need To Know About The Boiler Shortage

Currently, there’s a mass boiler shortage. Rises in manufacturing prices coupled with the ongoing semiconductor crisis have further entrenched the issue.

However, this could be a blessing in disguise, as boilers have a significant negative impact on our planet. Traditional boilers lose between 10% and 30% of their energy, therefore, a boiler shortage could be a great opportunity for people to move toward more sustainable heating alternatives such as air source heat pumps.

Boilers also emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide which can be detrimental to health, meaning a reduction in boiler usage would be a great thing for both our planet and our health.

What’s causing a boiler shortage?

The boiler shortage has been primarily caused by an ongoing semiconductor shortage and is expected to carry on into 2023. With the colder months coming in quick, boilers are increasingly in demand as people look to heat their homes, causing the boiler shortage to have quite a large impact on many people’s everyday lives.

Furthermore, the lockdowns during the pandemic may have caused significant issues for boiler suppliers as they struggled to get the components they needed. The shortage of semiconductors has only made the issue worse.

Can a boiler shortage be a positive thing? 

Despite the boiler shortage causing people to have issues with heating their home, this could be the push people need to make the move toward using more sustainable heating sources.

With the UK government looking to implement renewable heating systems instead of boilers in all new builds from 2025 onwards and hopes  to eradicate boilers by 2035, the importance of moving to renewable heating sources is evident. The shortage could help the move toward more sustainable heating solutions seem like more of an achievable option for people, while helping the UK meet their net zero greenhouse gas goals quicker (aimed to be met by 2050). 

How can air source heat pumps help to solve the boiler shortage?

Air source heat pumps are an excellent alternative to boilers, as they don’t use fossil fuels and are a net zero solution to heating. Air source heat pumps use energy   from ambient air  to heat your home and are 400% efficient compared to gas boilers being 90% efficient. This shows that gas boilers can waste 10% of energy produced or worse, whereas air source heat pumps produce 4 times the amount of input energy, meaning they have minimal impact on the environment.

How much do air source heat pumps cost?

Air source heat pumps can cost between £8,000 and exceed £15,000 to install, however there are grants that could help you cover the costs.

Despite the initial cost being expensive, air source heat pumps can help you save money on your heating and energy bills in the long run.

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)

If you’re eligible for the BUS scheme then you could gain up to £5,000 to help cover the costs of an air source heat pump.

The government has put aside £450 million for the BUS grants, however if costs of installing a heat pump exceed the grant offer, the homeowner will have to cover the rest.

How can Enula provide a solution to the boiler shortage?

Air source heat pumps are a great alternative to boilers, as they will help to reduce your heating and energy bills, while having a significant positive impact on our planet. Get in touch with Enula today to find out how we can make sustainable heating the right choice for you.